Lei Feng Fab Academy 2025Magical Revolving Lantern
My Fab Academy 2025 final project involves developing a Magical Lantern that combines traditional Chinese lantern aesthetics with modern digital manufacturing technology. You can learn about the initial concept and development process through the following links:
Core Functions:
- Using a motor to drive the lampshade rotation, replacing traditional hot air flow drive
- LED array replacing traditional candles, providing programmable lighting effects
- Intuitive human-machine interaction through gesture sensors
- Remote control functionality via WiFi connection
Project Progress
| Week | Date | Planned Content | Status | Documentation Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Jan 22 | Final Project Conceptualization and Requirements Analysis | ✅ Completed | Project Concept Details |
| Week 2 | Jan 29 | Lantern Shell 3D Modeling and Design | ✅ Completed | 3D Modeling Process |
| Week 3 | Feb 5 | Lantern Shell Laser Cutting and Assembly | ✅ Completed | Laser Cutting Implementation |
| Week 6 | Feb 26 | Control Circuit PCB Design | ✅ Completed | Circuit Design Process |
| Week 8 | Mar 12 | PCB Circuit Board Production | ✅ Completed | Circuit Board Production |
| Week 9 | Mar 19 | Gesture Sensor Integration | ✅ Completed | Gesture Control Implementation |
| Week 10 | Mar 26 | Output Device Control (Fan Motor and LED) | ✅ Completed | Output Control System |
| Week 11 | Apr 2 | Dual-Node Gesture Control | ✅ Completed | Dual-Node Gesture Control |
| Week 15 | May 6 | Web Control Interface Design and Implementation | ✅ Completed | Web Control Interface Design and Implementation |
| Weeks 13-15 | May 10 | Rotating Structure Mechanical Design | ✅ Completed | Motion Mechanism Design |
| Week 16 | May 7-14 | System Integration | ✅ Completed | System Integration Design |
| Week 17 | May 15-21 | Final Solution PCB Design and Program Debugging | 📅 Planned | - |
| Week 18 | May 22-27 | Final Solution Structure Refinement and Testing | 📅 Planned | |
| Week 19 | May 28-Jun 4 | Documentation Organization and Presentation Preparation | 📅 Planned | - |
| Jun 9-13 | - | Final Project Presentation | 📅 Planned | - |
Completed the preliminary concept of the Magical Lantern project, determining the core functions and technical approach.
Week 2: 3D Modeling of the Magical Lantern
Used Fusion 360 to complete the 3D modeling design of the lantern shell, preparing for subsequent laser cutting.
Week 3: Laser Cutting the Lantern Shell
Successfully laser cut and assembled the hexagonal wooden lantern shell, verifying the feasibility of the design.
Week 6: Control Circuit PCB Design
Designed an ESP32C3-based control circuit PCB, integrating gesture sensors and output control interfaces.
Week 8: Circuit Board Production
Successfully produced the control circuit PCB using a CNC mill, and completed component soldering and basic testing.
Week 9: Gesture Control Implementation
Implemented the integration of the APDS-9960 gesture sensor, successfully recognizing gestures in four directions: up, down, left, and right.
Week 10: Output Control System
Completed the drive control of the motor and LED light strips, achieving interactive effects between gestures and output devices.
Week 11: Dual-Node Gesture Control
Developed a dual-node communication system based on the ESP-NOW protocol, enabling gesture information transmission and synchronized control between multiple devices.
Week 15: Web Control Interface Design and Implementation
Designed and implemented a responsive web control interface, supporting remote adjustment of lighting effects and motor switches.
Week 15: Motion Mechanism Design
Designed and 3D printed the rotating cage mechanism and gear system, solving transmission and stability issues.
Week 16: System Integration Design
Redesigned the system architecture, integrating mechanical, electronic, and software subsystems, laying the foundation for the final product.
Solved and Unsolved Problems
Solved Problems
- Lantern Shell Design and Fabrication: Successfully designed and laser-cut the hexagonal wooden shell in Week 3
- Rotating Cage Mechanism Design: Designed and 3D printed a reliable rotating cage structure with proper tolerances
- Gear System Implementation: Calculated appropriate gear module (1.11mm) and designed a functional gear system with steel shafts
- Motor Selection and Integration: Selected appropriate N20 dual-shaft worm gear motor (130rpm) with sufficient torque for the rotating mechanism
- System Architecture Redesign: Completely revised the system architecture to address limitations in the original design
- Component Selection and Sourcing: Identified and acquired all necessary electronic components for the improved design
Unsolved Problems
- Circular PCB Design and Fabrication: Need to design and produce the new circular PCB that supports all required interfaces
- Multi-directional Gesture Recognition: Implementation of the three parallel APDS-9960 sensors to achieve omnidirectional gesture control
- RGB Light Strip Integration: Installation and programming of the dual RGB light strips for 360° visual effects
- Motor Control System: Integration of the Grove Mini Fan driver with the XIAO ESP32C3 for precise motor speed control
- WiFi and MQTT Communication: Development of the wireless communication system for multi-lantern synchronization
- Final Assembly and Testing: Integration of all subsystems into a cohesive product and conducting thorough testing
- Power Management System: Implementation of the rechargeable battery system with efficient power management (optional, will attempt if time permits)
Next Steps
- PCB Design and Manufacturing (5-7 days):
- Complete the circular PCB schematic design
- Design PCB layout and routing
- Manufacture the PCB and assemble components
- Test all interfaces and connections
- Component Integration (2-3 days):
- Connect and test the gesture sensors
- Install and program the RGB light strips
- Integrate the motor system
- Connect and test the battery system
- Software Development (2-3 days):
- Develop firmware for multi-sensor processing
- Implement RGB and motor control logic
- Set up WiFi and MQTT communication
- Create gesture control and device synchronization features
- Mechanical Integration (5-7 days):
- Finalize the transmission mechanism
- Adapt the lantern shell for PCB and battery housing
- Complete final assembly and balance adjustments
- Conduct comprehensive testing according to the test plan
Project Documentation Plan
The final project documentation will include the following sections:
- Project Overview
- Project background and sources of inspiration
- Function introduction and technical features
- Application scenarios and value
- Design Process
- Mechanical structure design
- Electronic system design
- Software system design
- Design iterations and improvements
- Production Process
- Materials and components list
- Detailed production steps
- Encountered problems and solutions
- Results Presentation
- Final product showcase
- Function demonstration videos
- User guide
- Reflection and Summary
- Project outcome evaluation
- Learning gains and experiences
- Future improvement directions
- Related source files